Match Details
Silsden AFC 1-0 Burscough FC
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Saturday 6th August 2022
The Office Interiors Stadium
Match Report
Silsden began their FA Cup journey with a 1-0 win over ten-man Burscough thanks to a late own goal.
Although the visitors were down to 10 men for almost 65 minutes, it looked as though the North West Counties Premier League side might force a replay.
However a late Antony Brown shot was turned in by a defender, giving The Cobbydaler’s their second consecutive 1-0 win and seeing them through to the Preliminary Round where they will take on either Yorkshire Amateur or Charnock Richard.
In a back-and-forth first half, Silsden survived an early scare when Brad Elms fired over from 6 yards. They would quickly grow into the game however, Luke Brooksbank found himself in behind on the right hand side and looked to cross when he perhaps should have taken the shot on himself.
New midfielder Talent Ndlovu looked a real handful for the hosts and would carve out their best chance in the opening 45 minutes. Determined tackling from the Zimbabwean followed by a neat pass sent in Jos Bradshaw but he could only dink his effort wide of the right hand post.
The tie changed dynamic when Linnet’s midfielder Louis Sharp dove in recklessly on Jacob Smith, leaving the referee little choice but to dismiss him. Smith was able to continue for the full remainder of the game, much to the relief of the Silsden Fans who witnessed injuries to centre halves Alex Laird and Sam Bradley in last week’s league opener.
Despite the man advantage, The Cobbydaler’s struggled to forge clear cut chances. On 68 minutes a cross from the left found an unmarked Arale Mohamed but he could only volley wide from a tight angle.
This was followed by Bradshaw using his strength well to create some space in the box, but seeing his half-volleyed effort deflect wide for a corner.
A breakthrough would be found by the hosts on 85 minutes. Brown was allowed space in the penalty area and his low drive was turned in by Burscough defender Brad Elms, sparking big celebrations from the 140 strong crowd.
Whilst Brown would have two more chances late on, both would be denied by visiting keeper Abidan Edwards, leaving the final score as 1-0.
The result means Silsden have won back to back competitive games for the first time since February, giving the side plenty of confidence heading into Tuesday’s home league fixture with Penistone Church.
